Economic and labour market transformations in Europe have led to an increase in non-standard work and new forms of self-employment as well as an upsurge in transitions from one labour market status to another — with great variations between countries, sectors, age groups and gender. In this context, European social protection systems are facing growing challenges in covering social risks for these workers.

This Synthesis Report produced by the core team of the European Social Policy Network (ESPN) describes the social and labour market situation of the self-employed and non-standard workers in 35 European countries. It also analyses their statutory and effective access to the main social protection schemes, and identifies recent national reforms aimed at extending their social protection.

The Access City Award is the European prize for making cities more accessible to people with disabilities and older people. The city of Chester (UK) was awarded first prize in 2017 for its dedication in ensuring that the city and its beautiful medieval walls can be enjoyed by as many people as possible. Find out more good practices from the cities of Rotterdam (Netherlands), Jūrmala (Latvia), Lugo (Spain), Skellefteå (Sweden), Alessandria (Italy) and Funchal (Portugal) in this brochure.

This report focuses on retirement regimes for workers in arduous and hazardous jobs in 35 European countries. It is based on the country reports prepared by the national independent experts of the European Social Policy Network. The report provides an overview of the end-of-career policy measures and assesses the retirement pathways and income adequacy of workers in arduous and hazardous jobs. It also discusses recent and ongoing reforms, identifies best practices and policy challenges and provides recommendations for EU countries and the EU alike.

This Synthesis Report addresses the work-life balance of carers of dependent persons by examining three main social policy arrangements: leave schemes, cash benefits and benefits in kind. It is based on the 35 country reports produced by the experts of the European Social Policy Network.